Lick's illustrious prep golf career comes to an end at State tourney

SPOKANE - After shooting one of your worst rounds of the year at a setting that features the best of the best in the prep ranks, civility doesn't figure in with most high school golfers.

Sunnyside High School senior Kevin Lick is an exception.

Following yesterday's uncharacteristic 86 at the 3A State golf tournament, which was far back of the cut line of 6-over-par 78, Lick graciously offered his hand and best wishes to his fellow competitors as they prepared to move on to day two action.

"That's just the kind of kid Kevin is," said Sunnyside Coach Glenn Braman. "The integrity he has...well, he's one of the classiest high school kids I've ever been around.

"You don't develop that kind of character by just playing high school golf for four years," Braman continued. "His parents, Tim and Emily, have done a great job instilling in him the attributes you'd hope to find in all kids."

Wednesday's State tournament round at Spokane's Qualchan Golf Course wraps up an illustrious prep career for Lick. He was making his fourth straight appearance at State. He made the first day cut at State his sophomore and junior years.

"It will probably be a long time before someone from Sunnyside can say they've been to four State golf tournaments," Braman said. "Even though he didn't qualify yesterday to move on, Kevin can find solace in that he qualified for State four times."

In describing the senior's round Wednesday, Braman said Lick "...caught a lot of poor breaks." He opened with a 6-over 42 on the front side, "...and it snowballed to the back side," said Braman in explaining the 8-over 44 Lick absorbed after the turn.

Things might have turned out differently had the Sunnyside golfer not lipped out several putts on the front side, or not caught a couple of fliers out of the long grass. But as he moved on throughout his round, it became clear that fortune was not on Lick's side.

"He understands he just didn't have it today," Braman said during the car trip back home to Sunnyside Wednesday afternoon.

Lick, himself, describes yesterday's tee shots as some of the best drives he's had all season.

"I hit the ball pretty well. I just got some bad bounces," Lick said. But he quickly added he didn't help matters any once he was on the green. "I didn't hit a lot of putts," he said.

Seven golfers came in under par at Wednesday's 3A State tourney, including first day leader Ryan Dolbow of Bellevue, who carded a 3-under 69. Hanford's Alex Moore had the second low round, one stroke back of Dolbow with a 70. Clarkston's Joel Dahmen, the 2003 3A State champion, is in a five-way tie for third at 71.

In looking ahead to this summer, Lick said he plans on one, maybe two, competitive tournaments. "The rest of the summerwill be recreational golf," he explained.

Further on down the road, Lick said a window may open for him to become a member of the San Jose State men's golf team. He will be pursuing a major in electrical engineering at the California university, and said he's been led to believe there may be a chance to play golf there.